ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the maritime and air incidents between China and the United Sates (US), the security dilemma the two face in the South China Sea, and the models of confidence building in the history between the US and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), particularly the agreements that prevented serious maritime incidents during the Cold War. It assesses the MOU of Rules of Behavior with a study of the case of the US naval vessel trespassing in waters within close distance of China's control. The chapter discusses the South China Sea under the Freedom of Navigation Program and an identification of generic problems and possible policy implications of the agreement. During the Cold War, both the US and USSR conducted dangerous operations at sea and in the air, and caused several serious incidents. Both China and the US praised the MOUs for playing a positive role in risk reduction in the maritime space, especially the South China Sea.
